Everything You Need to Know About McDermott Elementary School Locations and Programs

When searching for "McDermott Elementary School," parents and community members are typically looking for one of two prominent public institutions in the United States: the McDermott Elementary in Little Rock, Arkansas, or the Robert F. McDermott Elementary in San Antonio, Texas. While they share a name, these schools operate within vastly different districts, offering unique academic frameworks and extracurricular opportunities.

Determining which school fits your needs involves looking closely at their specific educational philosophies, student-to-teacher ratios, and community involvement. This article provides an in-depth exploration of both campuses to help you navigate enrollment, academic expectations, and school culture.

McDermott Elementary School in Little Rock, Arkansas

Located at 1200 Reservoir Road, McDermott Elementary School is a cornerstone of the Little Rock School District (LRSD). Serving students from Kindergarten through fifth grade, this campus is known for its multicultural atmosphere and its commitment to developing young leaders.

The Leader in Me Philosophy and School Culture

The defining characteristic of the Little Rock campus is its status as a "Leader in Me" school. This transformation model is based on Stephen Covey’s The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. At McDermott, this is expanded into 8 habits designed to foster self-awareness and leadership skills in children.

The school utilizes a "House System," a popular community-building strategy where students are sorted into different groups or houses. This fosters a sense of belonging and healthy competition across grade levels, encouraging students to support one another beyond their immediate classrooms.

Academic Focus and Specialized Programs

Despite challenges in standardized testing scores, McDermott Elementary emphasizes a modern, hands-on curriculum. The school has integrated several high-engagement programs:

• Project Lead the Way (PLTW): This program introduces students to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) through collaborative problem-solving.
• Makerspace Activities: The school maintains a dedicated Makerspace where students can build, create, and experiment with various materials, bridging the gap between theoretical learning and practical application.
• Robotics Club: For students interested in technology, the Robotics Club provides an early introduction to coding and mechanical design.
• Literacy and AR Kids Reading: There is a heavy emphasis on closing the literacy gap through specialized reading programs and response-to-intervention (RTI) strategies.

Community Partnerships and Support

McDermott is a true neighborhood school with deep ties to the local community. It benefits from several "Partners in Education" who contribute time, financial resources, and mentoring services. Key partners include Fellowship Bible Church, Centennial Bank, and The Church at Rock Creek. These partnerships often provide after-school programs, tutoring, and even landscaping services to maintain the campus environment.

Enrollment and Demographic Data

For the 2023-2024 school year, the school served approximately 262 students. The demographic breakdown shows a high level of diversity, with a majority Black student population (roughly 75-76%) and significant representation from Hispanic and White communities. The student-to-teacher ratio is approximately 13:1, which is on par with the Arkansas state average, allowing for relatively small class sizes.

Robert F. McDermott Elementary School in San Antonio, Texas

The second major institution is the Robert F. McDermott Elementary School, located at 5111 USAA Blvd in San Antonio. This school is part of the Northside Independent School District (NISD), one of the largest and most respected districts in Texas.

Campus Leadership and Academic Structure

Robert F. McDermott Elementary serves a larger student body than its Arkansas counterpart, with enrollment often exceeding 700 students. The school provides a comprehensive Pre-K through 5th-grade education. Under the leadership of Principal Tawny Wagner, the school focuses on a well-rounded curriculum that includes:

• Core Subjects: Strong foundations in mathematics, science, social studies, and language arts.
• Specialized Instruction: Regular access to music, art, physical education, and computer technology classes.
• Bilingual Education: Given the demographics of San Antonio, the school offers robust bilingual and English as a Second Language (ESL) programs, serving over 35% of the student population.

Academic Performance and Accountability

As part of the Texas Education Agency (TEA) accountability system, the school is evaluated on student achievement, school progress, and closing performance gaps. Recent data indicates that the school focuses heavily on supporting its economically disadvantaged student population, which makes up about 75% of the campus. While the school has faced challenges in meeting all state distinctions, it remains a vital resource for the NISD community with a dedicated staff of over 50 teachers.

Faculty and Experience

The San Antonio campus prides itself on the experience of its educators. The average teacher at Robert F. McDermott Elementary has about 10 years of professional experience, with many having served the campus for over five years. This stability in leadership and teaching staff contributes to a consistent learning environment for the students.

Comparing Academic Environments and Outcomes

When choosing between schools or evaluating their performance, it is essential to look at the metrics provided by state education departments.

Little Rock Campus Performance

In Arkansas, McDermott Elementary has recently ranked in the bottom 50% of schools statewide based on math and reading proficiency. Proficiency scores in math have hovered around 10-14%, while reading proficiency is approximately 15-19%. These figures are lower than the Arkansas state averages, which has led the district to implement more intensive interventions, including the "Leader in Me" framework, to boost student engagement and academic growth.

San Antonio Campus Performance

In Texas, the San Antonio campus shows slightly higher proficiency rates in reading and language arts (around 55% in recent STAAR testing) compared to math (46%). The school is actively working to improve its "Closing the Gaps" score, which measures how well the school supports students from various backgrounds to ensure equitable learning outcomes.

Logistical Information for Parents

Regardless of the location, both schools share similar operational schedules and requirements.

School Hours and Attendance

• Little Rock, AR: The school day typically runs from 7:40 AM to 2:55 PM. After-school programs are available, though there is no formal before-school care.
• San Antonio, TX: The campus operates from 7:45 AM to 3:00 PM.

Registration and Enrollment

Enrollment for both schools generally requires proof of residency within the specific district zones. For the Little Rock school, this falls within LRSD Zone 8. For the San Antonio school, it is part of the NISD boundaries. Parents should be prepared to provide:

1. Child's birth certificate
2. Immunization records
3. Proof of address (utility bill or lease agreement)
4. Previous school records (if transferring)

The History of McDermott Elementary

The Little Rock campus has a storied history, having opened in September 1967. A notable moment in its history occurred during its inaugural year when Harlem Globetrotter "Geese" Ausbie dedicated the school's basketball court. Since then, the school has evolved from its original blue and white colors to include orange in 2015, symbolizing its "Mustang" pride.

The San Antonio school was named after Robert F. McDermott, a significant figure in the local community and a former brigadier general. This naming reflects the school’s commitment to excellence and service, values that are integrated into the daily life of the "Mustangs" in Texas.

Summary of McDermott Elementary School Facts

For a quick reference, here are the core details for both primary schools named McDermott:

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the school colors for McDermott Elementary?

The Little Rock, AR campus uses Blue, White, and Orange. The mascot for both the Little Rock and San Antonio campuses is the Mustang.

Does McDermott Elementary require uniforms?

At the Little Rock, AR campus, uniforms are not currently required. Parents at the San Antonio campus should check the specific NISD dress code, which generally emphasizes modest, appropriate school attire rather than a strict uniform.

How can I contact the principal?

• For the Little Rock school, the Principal is Pam Dial. You can reach the office at 501-447-5500.
• For the San Antonio school, the Principal is Tawny Wagner. You can reach the office at 210-397-5100.

What extracurricular activities are available?

The Little Rock school offers a wide range of clubs, including the Kindness Club, 100-Mile Club, Robotics, and the Student Lighthouse Team. The San Antonio school offers music, art, and technology-focused programs as part of its standard curriculum and after-school rotations.

Is there a "McDermoth" Elementary school?

Yes, there is a McDermoth Elementary (spelled with an 'h') located in Aberdeen, Washington. It serves as the "Home of the Bulldogs" and is part of the Aberdeen School District. If you are looking for that specific school, ensure you use the "h" at the end of the name for accurate search results.

In conclusion, both McDermott Elementary Schools serve as vital community hubs. Whether focusing on leadership development in Arkansas or bilingual excellence in Texas, these schools aim to provide a safe and supportive environment for student growth. For the most current information regarding upcoming events or registration deadlines, visiting the respective district websites is highly recommended.